It all began in 1819 when Christian missionaries came to Tahiti and thought their dancing was inappropriate so it became illegal and they had to dance in private. Until 1881 France won independence from England on July 14. Now Polynesians celebrate Bastille day because France let them participate in dancing and sports. Later, as Polynesia became more on its own and the emancipation brought authorities to bring about Heiva I Tahiti in 1985. This holiday is special to Polynesian culture because this is their independence day. What makes Heiva so different is the way the professional dancers dance. They start slow and then speed up while telling a story through dance and costumes.  The festival takes place at Place Toata, near the capital city of Papeete.